Speaking in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Hojjatollah Judaki, referring to the history of Arabs’ anti-Israeli activities, said: “Israel was formed during the Cold War when the world was bipolar and Palestinian Resistance groups were growing in those conditions.” At that time, many nations had gained independence, and almost patriotic forces were still in power to control the destiny of countries.

He explained: For example, today we consider Gamal Abdel Nasser a dictator, but it should be borne in mind that Nasser was an Arab patriot in his time. Or those who later became notorious dictators of the Arab world all came up with beautiful slogans and when they later came to power they liked the tastes and created their own oppressive systems.

He said: “At the present time, the despotic systems in the Arab countries that chained up their people collapsed one after the other. It was then that their nations came to realize that these leaders not only did not serve their interests but at times even acted against them. Under such circumstances, the ruling establishments in Iraq, Egypt and Libya collapsed: Countries that were called the “Thunder Front” and were so hardliner that they did not even endorse Hafez al-Assad.

“When these developments occurred a new balance was formed in which the economies of all these countries were shattered,” the history researcher added. Designers of the “Deal of the Century” have also focused on this issue. They did not even call the project an “agreement” or a “peace accord” but termed it a “deal” because they want money to go against other issues. They announced that we are investing $50 billion to save their economies.

“They know very well that the current weakness of the Palestinians is poverty and hunger,” the Middle East affairs analyst said.

Referring to Egypt’s stances on the Deal of the Century to the effect that the Palestinians should study the plan, which according to Cairo fulfils all their legal and legitimate rights, he said these statements were due to Egypt’s political and economic problems. “Egypt has nothing to offer to the Palestinians.”

Causes of the Persian Gulf States’ Positions

Referring to the positions of the UAE, Bahrain and Oman in this regard and the presence of their ambassadors at the unveiling of the Deal of the Century, Judaki said: “In the current situation, these countries have tilted towards a position that their interests would not be hurt; because they are small states and always see themselves exposed to threats. For this reason, they have to always embrace the power to safeguard their interests.

He explained that the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait opened the way for the Americans to enter the region. The small states in the region felt that there was no other way than to ally with greater power. They were placed in that block after all. In Bahrain, the foundations of power are shaking and they know it themselves. The Emirates has built a glass palace and has spent huge money and investment on the country, but it knows that at any moment a stone may be thrown at it and break the glass. These things frighten them. Today the West has realized these issues and their think tanks have focused on these issues and study them.

“Alongside these, we see the situation in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Libya,” Judaki added. Taken together, these have provided favourable conditions for the United States and Israel and seek to seize this opportunity.

Pointing to a statement made by a former Palestinian government minister that the reactions to the Deal of the Century are more dangerous than the deal itself, the analyst said: The world has changed. There was a time when Sukarno, Nasser, and Tito met in Indonesia, Egypt and Yugoslavia to form the non-aligned countries and act as a coherent bloc against the Soviet and American powers.

The inaction of the Non-Aligned Movement

“There is such a vacuum in the current world,” Judaki continued. The current issues are not solely due to US and Western delinquency. At that time, the Soviets were also idealist taking into consideration the conditions of Arabs and liberation movements and paid some attention to their interests so that Arabs could also have a breathing space. The Non-Aligned Movement supported them, but in the current situation, the Non-Aligned Movement is completely passive.

Friendships Contrary to Previous Blockings

He also said that Russia’s stance on the Deal of the Century was not a criticism of the plan, adding that Moscow which adopted such a position towards Arabs in the past is at the disposal of Putin who is merely seeking his country’s interests. Friendships that have been formed are contrary to past blockings. Today’s friendships are based on shared interests.

Abu Mazen Reaction Not Important

Judaki also said that criticisms by PA President Mahmoud Abbas and the announcement of a break-in security relations with Israel could not be a significant response under the current situation. We should not forget that it was the Americans who first broke off the relationship. Mr Mahmoud Abbas has nothing to lose. There is nothing left of Palestine. The West has inflicted these harms in many areas, not just Palestine but on other countries as well.

Referring to Nabih Berry’s remarks that the plan is a major threat to Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, the Middle East affairs analyst said: “These countries have not taken any effective measures during these years. Egypt knows that despite the 12km borderline with Palestine if anything happens, Palestinians will flood into their country and seek refuge. They are worried about this.

Judaki emphasized: “In fact, everyone would lose in the plan; only Netanyahu and the far-right groups will benefit from it; even the Israeli leftists would not gain anything.”

Turkey’s Conflict with Saudi Arabia

Referring to Turkey’s critical stances and a Saudi official’s war of words with Erdogan over the Riyadh authorities’ silence, the analyst said Erdogan as an Islamist considers himself an heir to the Ottoman Empire; therefore Erdogan has historical backing for Palestine. Their pride is that Sultan Abdul Hamid refused to sign the document on submission of Jerusalem. Erdogan naturally stands by the Palestinians in the current situation and is therefore at odds with Saudi establishment; in the meantime, Saudi Arabia coordinates its position with Netanyahu and the United States.

Democrats Criticize Trump’s Plan

Judaki also cited some Democrats’ criticism of Trump’s plan that it violates international resolutions and undermines the prospect of a just peace. “However, in the short term, there does not seem to be anything special about the Palestinian issue,” he said. But it certainly prompts all awakened consciences.

“I have read all the analyses of Trump supporters, and they know themselves that this plan will not work out, but they are keen to press the Palestinians with economic tools,” the history researcher said. True, they want to give the Palestinians a bite but in that bite, there is a small amount of bread and the rest is a deadly poison.

Obscenity All Over Trump’s Deal

Noting that Trump’s plan is full of offensiveness, Judaki said: “The West hopes to take advantage of these favourable conditions and take a big step forward, but the Deal of the Century will not materialize under the current conditions, and if that happens, it will be fragile. Sooner or later it will crash. This scheme cannot be realized and is basically unenforceable. They just want to give concessions and make them more dependent.”

He noted: “If we study history, there is always peace after many wars. Since peace is imposed by the victors the defeated will inevitably accept it but this is an imposed peace, meaning they do not want it but have to accept the status quo. It lasts for a while, and after a while, it burns like a fire under the ashes. They have brought the Palestinians into this predicament in a situation where there is no special help from any country.

“Things will not stay the way they are. But it will take some time for the balance to return to these countries and the conditions are transitional,” Judaki said. The dictators never thought they had reached the end of the road.

Referring to the meanings of Tradition of Istikhlaf (Conundrum) in the Holy Quran and replacing the “worse element” with the “better element”, he added, that is, the growing forces moving in the interests of the people will eventually replace those that move contrary to the will and general interest of the people. Of course, there are other forces still coming out of the ruins that have no choice but to stand on their own feet. Right-seeking, justice-seeking, and minimum seekers. It’s not like the world stay as the powers want it to be.

Palestinian Issue Will Never Die

Judaki emphasized: The Palestinian issue will never die, but it will find great global backing for many to defend it. Right-seeking forces should not be found only among Muslims. These designs change the world and attract global sympathy and support. By doing so, the issue of Palestine will be revived, not in guerrilla activities, but with the backing of the world public opinion.